Mourinho v Guardiola: Who has the biggest rebuilding task in Manchester?

The rivalry between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola is set to be renewed with the pair poised to take charge of the Manchester clubs this summer.

Here, we look at who faces the biggest rebuilding job - Mourinho at United or Guardiola at City.

Fans

Mourinho scarves were held aloft as early as December 2015 (Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport)

After the sterility and frustration of the Louis van Gaal era - even after winning the FA Cup - United fans are in need of a lift. The high-profile Mourinho can provide that.

His appointment may not be universally welcomed by supporters, as some of his past histrionics are an issue for some, but large swathes of the United fanbase have been calling for him to be installed for months.

If results follow, Old Trafford is sure to be re-energised, at least in the short term. Guardiola already seems to have all City fans onside, with some even planning welcome parties.

League positions

City edged it over United for 2015/16 (Jon Super/AP/PA)

United have finished seventh, fourth and fifth in the last three Premier League seasons and have the most ground to make up. Yet they only just missed out on a Champions League position on goal difference and they won the FA Cup, indicating they still have a competitive squad.

If the Mourinho effect quickly rubs off United could be challenging again in the not-too-distant future. City expect to be challenging now.

Last season's fourth place was a huge disappointment. Fresh blood will arrive but City should be able to climb the table if Guardiola can simply get them playing to their potential.

Transfers

Who will the two managers bring in? (Manu Fernandez/AP/PA)

Neither club should struggle recruiting this summer. Both managers will be backed financially with United's commercial power continuing to bring in record revenues while City's resources are almost limitless.

United cannot offer Champions League football but the lure of playing at Old Trafford and for Mourinho will carry much weight.

City may not have United's history but they do boast Champions League opportunities and there will be no shortage of top players wanting to play for Guardiola. City could strengthen in many positions, although wholesale changes are unlikely.

Keeping key players

Holding on to de Gea and Aguero will be key for their respective clubs (Nigel French/PA)

United may have to combat renewed attempts from Real Madrid to prise away David de Gea. The outstanding goalkeeper is the player United can least afford to lose and retaining him will be one of Mourinho's top priorities. There are no other United players quite in the same bracket, although it may do them no harm to offer the experienced Michael Carrick a new deal.

Despite last season's under-achievement, City are still in a strong position when it comes to retaining players. Sergio Aguero is the jewel in their crown but, despite expressing a desire to return to South America in future, he appears fully committed to the cause.

Yaya Toure is likely to receive offers from elsewhere but he is now a declining force and may be allowed to leave if a replacement is found.

Youth

United have several players emerging from their academy ranks (Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport/Martin Rickett/PA)

It seems remarkable that just a few months ago the famed United youth system that produced the Class of 92 was being criticised for drying up. Since then the likes of Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson have shone.

Their emergence was one of the plus points of van Gaal's regime and probably puts United ahead of City in this regard at present. City so far have just Kelechi Iheanacho to show for their much-trumpeted £200 million academy.

Yet these are still early days in what is a long-term project at the Etihad Campus. With a number of highly-rated players in their system, particularly in the 14-16 age bracket, the fruits of City's work could be seen in the years ahead.

Summary

The two managers will arrive with a weight of expectation on their shoulders (Daniel Ochoa de Olza/AP/PA)

Mourinho seems to have the bigger job to do to rouse a fallen giant, yet his past record, cash reserves and youthful squad nucleus suggest he can get there quickly.

Guardiola is being viewed more like the final piece in the City jigsaw. His arrival alone should prompt an upturn in fortunes in an under-achieving squad. That said, their group is an ageing one and a process of renewal needs to begin.

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